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CBS may dump EliteXC for UFC

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According to a report in the Friday edition of New York Post, CBS was not too pleased with the second EliteXC broadcast on their channel and now rumors are starting to fly that CBS and the UFC are talking again about a deal. But reportedly, the network was shocked by how badly the last fight, called "Unfinished Business," did in the ratings. Despite a poor showing, CBS apparently does not want to give up on the idea of turning the sometime savage mixed martial arts into primetime fare. Rumors have also resurfaced that CBS is once again in talks with UFC - the first and better-known of the competing fight leagues - to take over the timeslot. Calls to UFC and CBS were not returned.

MMANEWs.com

EliteXC on CBS, EliteXC on CBS,
August 31, 2008  09:36 AM ET

I doubt it, I would love to see free UFC but Dana is smart enough not to get caught in the same financial trap that EliteXC is in right now.

August 31, 2008  10:52 AM ET

Well, if they are going to do a deal I'm sure Dana would make sure he has control of everything and they are paying the UFC a boatload of cash.

August 31, 2008  11:06 AM ET

i would

August 31, 2008  03:36 PM ET

I don't think it's something necessary for the UFC to do. They are killing it on the PPV and Spike does a fantastic job, I think this would oversaturate.

September 1, 2008  02:54 PM ET

The only way White does this is if CBS knocks him off of his feet, so much so that he doesn't take a hit with the PPV rights.. which he will certainly keep. There is a huge market that is going to explode the next few years.. MMA is the new boxing, and one day title bouts will offer millions to contenders. White knows this is coming, and getting CBS cash will help pay the growing expenses of his incredibly fast expanding sport.

Spike has served its purpose, it did the job spreading the word while the sport grew, now it's time to take the sport to all of America's living rooms.

September 1, 2008  05:44 PM ET

That's a good point cyne10.

Comment has been removed
September 2, 2008  10:54 AM ET

Another solid point from Loki.

But since this EliteXC debacle, Dana has all the leverage in the world, which is what he was trying for in the first place witha networkd tv deal. So now, he can pretty much demand anything he wants.

September 2, 2008  11:24 AM ET

Wonder how Spike would feel about a CBS deal with the UFC. I'm sure they would prefer to see the UFC stay only on Spike, but CBS comes with cash.

Comment has been removed
September 2, 2008  12:33 PM ET

That is a good point Loki. Just wondering if they will keep shows on both stations.

September 2, 2008  03:28 PM ET

Might as well. Mo' money, mo' money...as the saying goes.

September 2, 2008  03:28 PM ET

I think Dana White should have a reality show. Seriously.

 
September 2, 2008  09:23 PM ET

If UFC goes to CBS can Joe Rogan go somewhere else, too. VH1, maybe?

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